Letter: Ex-hotel employee documents tree removal

A tree in July 2014 is illegally removed from the Landing Resort. Photo/Isaac Walker

Publisher’s note: This letter with photos and video (Landing Tree cutting July 2, 2014) was sent to Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and Lake Tahoe News on March 23 in regards to illegal tree removal at the Landing Resort.

Video was shot from my cell phone, while I was the banquet manager (of the Landing Resort in South Lake Tahoe).

None of the management on site knew what was happening with this particular tree. The day before the tree cutting the lift showed up. On the afternoon of July 2, 2014, Brent Truax, regional manager and second to Jim Demetriades, showed up and said we would need to close the patio that night. Just after 5pm, private contractors showed up and removed the tree, which was in front of the restaurant patio, and Jim’s favorite room. This was in preparation for the Fourth, they were hoping for a better view of the fireworks!

I would love to see the trees go back in this spot.

Please let me know if you need any more information.

Thank you for your concern in this matter,

Isaac Walker